For some kids, classic Halloween imagery of monsters, villains and general gruesomeness can instill feelings of fear and anxiety, whether they see it in products on store shelves, online videos or TV shows and movies.
But other children might feel a pull to those kinds of visuals, fascinated not only by what they see but where their imagination takes them.
And that can be OK.
Some children differentiate between real and pretend more easily than others, says Elyse Handel, early childhood education manager at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Those who can identify something as pretend likely feel safer engaging with it.
“They may find the images or characters to be silly or funny because they know they are not ‘real’ in the context of their world,” Handel says. “Also, remember young children are working on taking risks, overcoming fears and exploring their feelings and emotions.”
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When a child knows something is pretend, it can be easier for them to make sense of the feelings that come with it. Handel observed this during her teaching days. Some students were drawn to fictional books featuring, for example, ghosts or mummies because they could read about how characters navigated or reacted to the book’s scary situations.
However, if a child is constantly talking about a scary character or seems fearful that the character will appear in their life, it may be time to seek additional support.
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For both children who need a gentler scare and those who want all the thrills and chills, Fright Academy, The Children’s Museum Guild’s 62nd Annual Haunted House, running Oct. 9–31, is a great option.
Fright Academy is the place where future monsters and villains learn the subjects of spellcasting, shadow shifting, magic, potions and other delightfully creepy subjects. Prospective “students” will “tour” the school’s library, cafeteria and other eerie stops.
For kids who scare easily, the museum offers Uranus Fudge Factory Friendly Hours, with brighter lights, upbeat music and greeters who put children at ease with smiles, not snarls, as they pass out treats and goodies.
“When families visit during Friendly Hours, they are able to walk through rooms with scary imagery but meet with a friendly witch who can talk to them,” Handel says. “They help them feel safe and point out what is not real and just pretend.”
Frightening Hours, on the other hand, are aimed at older kids and include jump scares, dimmed lights, eerie music and haunters in creepy masks.
But you know your child better than anyone, so make the decision that is best for your child and family.
“Conversations prior to the Haunted House would be helpful to tell or remind children that what they see is pretend and if or when we feel scared, what we can do,” Handel says.
Visit childrensmuseum.org/haunted-house to find a schedule of Friendly and Frightening Hours to ensure you visit during the ideal time.
Fright Academy Haunted House
- Dates: Oct. 9–31, closed Mondays
- Tickets: $9 general admission, $8 for museum members and $5 for Access Pass holders
- Haunted House tickets do not include museum admission.
Visit childrensmuseum.org/haunted-house to purchase tickets and for a list of special themed days and giveaways.
Related Article: Hauntless Halloween at Holliday Park: A Parent Review
